Diaby returns for Arsenal

Diaby, 26, has not appeared for Arsenal the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on September 29, but it is hoped he is close to a first team return after coming through the development game with no pain.

The Frenchman was substituted for Conor Henderson after 65 minutes during the 1-1 draw, news that will come as a boost to Arsene Wenger as he finalises his transfer plans for the January transfer window.

Diaby has made just six appearances this term due to injury but had hoped to play a major role for the club after impressing during the opening fixtures of the campaign and earning a call-up to the France squad for the World Cup qualifying win against Finland in which he scored.

Arsenal named a strong side for the game, including Carl Jenkinson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andre Santos in the starting line-up alongside Emmanuel Frimpong, recently back from a loan spell with Charlton, who was sent off in the final minutes of the game for two yellow cards.